Multidimensional Barcodes For Information Handling System Service Information

ABSTRACT

Multi-dimensional barcodes at a product include service identifiers for the product so that an end user with a portable information handling system captures an image of the multi-dimensional barcode and extracts the service identifiers to obtain service information from a service network location. For example, a service identifier embeds a URL that links to a video demonstrating how to assemble the product. As another example, a service identifier links to a service network location and includes a unique identifier so that an end user retrieves warranty or purchase information for the product.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “DynamicMultidimensional Barcodes For Information Handling System ServiceInformation,” inventors Kevin Terwilliger, Scott Lauffer, PankajBishnoi, and Bradley Lawrence, Attorney Docket No. DC-19501, filed onsame day herewith, describes exemplary methods and systems and isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “MultidimensionalBarcodes For Information Handling System Manufacture, Assembly AndService,” inventors Kevin Terwilliger and Scott Lauffer, Attorney DocketNo. DC-19502, filed on same day herewith, describes exemplary methodsand systems and is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of informationhandling system service, and more particularly to multidimensionalbarcodes for information handling system service information.

2. Description of the Related Art

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

Individuals and enterprises rely on a wide variety of informationhandling systems to create, use and manage information. For example,enterprises typically have a number of server information handlingsystems that support employees and interface with customers. Employeestypically have fixed and/or portable information handling systems thatinterface as clients to enterprise servers to perform job functions,such as word processing, presentations and communications. Individualsoften interface with enterprises to shop or make purchases by contactingenterprise servers through the Internet using fixed and/or portableinformation handling systems. Wireless networking through local areanetworks, such as wireless hotspots, or wide area networks, such ascellular phone networks, have allowed end users to interact with anenterprise's servers through the Internet from any number of physicallocations. Portable information handling systems have decreased in sizeto the point where end user's will carry a portable system in a pantspocket for ready access to information through the Internet at virtuallyany time and any location.

Increased reliance on information handling systems has made operationalreliability an important consideration for enterprises in theirselection and maintenance of information handling systems. Enterprisestypically maintain an information technology staff to ensure informationhandling system resources remain operational in a reliable manner. Toaid information technology professionals with this maintenance,information handling system manufacturers will often include informationlabels on a system chassis that provide service information, such assteps for changing a processor, hard disk drive or RAM module. Theservice information posted on a label at a server chassis is readilyavailable for review by an information technology professional duringaccess to an information handling system disposed in the chassis,however, the amount of space for printing on the label is generallyrestricted so that only limited service information is presented.Service information on a chassis label is often inadequate in thequantity and quality of information available for review by an end user.When service information is inadequate, end users will turn to otherresources, such as calling a manufacturer representative who can talkthe end user through service steps. Such service calls increasemanufacturer expense and tend to consume considerable time of theenterprise information technology professional while he locates theright person to talk with, explains the problem, and performs thesolution. Alternatives, such as self-help through Internet resources,tend to be more efficient and effective service resources for mostissues, however, the information technology professional must find andreview the correct resource in order to take the proper service actions.Often this means inputting system information into the website toidentify the type of information handling system, search for the properfault information and track down warranty coverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore a need has arisen for a system and method which directs an enduser performing service at an information handling system to resourcesthat aid the correct service actions for the particular informationhandling system and the service function involved in the service.

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method areprovided which substantially reduce the disadvantages and problemsassociated with previous methods and systems for providing service to aninformation handling system. Multi-dimensional barcodes embed one ormore service identifiers that are accessible by an analysis of an imagetaken of the barcode at a portable information handling system. Theservice identifier is applied to retrieve service information to theportable information handling system for presentation to an end user.

More specifically, an end user captures an image of a quick response(QR) code from an information handling system service label with a smartphone and analyzes the QR code at the smart phone to extract one or moreservice identifiers embedded in the QR code. The end user then appliesthe service identifiers to obtain service information to aid in theperformance of a service function at the information handling system.For example, a QR code on a service label attached to an informationhandling system chassis embeds a URL that loads a service web page forthe model type of the information handling system to a browser of thesmart phone. The service webpage is provided from a service networklocation and includes service information, such as a user manual for themodel, videos demonstrating service functions like replacement of CPUsand hard disk drives, assembly instructions, audio instructions forperforming service functions and pictures that show the functional partsof the information handling system. Additional service identifiersincluded in the QR code or in other QR codes include a unique identifierof the information handling system that allows retrieval of warranty andrepair information. For example, based upon a service level purchased bythe end user as determined from the service identifier, the user isautomatically interfaced with a call center, or forwarded to a servicenetwork location that performs diagnostics at the information handlingsystem to automatically order replacement parts for components detectedas failures. In one embodiment, a dynamic display presents a QR codewith electronic paper or an LED display to allow an end user to extractthe results of diagnostics run on the information handling system fromthe dynamically-generated QR code.

The present invention provides a number of important technicaladvantages. One example of an important technical advantage is thatservice is rapidly and accurately supported at an information handlingsystem by providing the identification and location of an informationhandling system under service to a service location to obtain correctservice information for the information handling system. Serviceinformation is quickly and rapidly conveyed to an end user through aninformation handling system with multimedia communications techniques,such as an instructional video. Service labels on an informationhandling system are simplified to have a multidimensional barcode, suchas a quick response code label, that is readily converted into serviceinformation through an Internet resource. Simplified service labelsreduce manufacture cost and provide an improved customer experience withmore rapid, up-to-date and relevant service information. In oneembodiment, specific fault information is provide with a presentationdevice that generates quick response tags, such as electronic ink, LEDor similar display devices. In addition, warranty and other productinformation presented with a quick response code label help to ensurethat correct service levels are provided to an end user who initiates aservice inquiry with a quick response code label.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the samereference number throughout the several figures designates a like orsimilar element.

FIG. 1 depicts an information handling system having a service labelwith a multi-dimensional barcode that aids access to serviceinformation;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C depict example user interfaces presented at aportable wireless telephone interfaced with a service network location;

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of tracking manufacture and assembly ofinformation handling system components with multi-dimensional barcode;and

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of obtaining service information byreference to multi-dimensional barcodes associated with informationhandling system components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Quick response codes at information handling systems provide rapidaccess to service information, such as for maintenance and repairfunctions, by providing access to a service identifier through aportable telephone application that presents video demonstrations of theservice function. For purposes of this disclosure, an informationhandling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate ofinstrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect,record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information,intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or otherpurposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personalcomputer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and mayvary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. Theinformation handling system may include random access memory (RAM), oneor more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) orhardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types ofnonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handlingsystem may include one or more disk drives, one or more network portsfor communicating with external devices as well as various input andoutput (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display.The information handling system may also include one or more busesoperable to transmit communications between the various hardwarecomponents.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an information handling system 10 is depictedhaving a service label 12 with a multi-dimensional barcode 14 that aidsaccess to service information. Information handling system 10 processesinformation with plural components disposed in a chassis 15, such as oneor more CPUs 18 installed in sockets 20, RAM 22, a chipset 24, a harddisk drive 26 and a baseboard management controller 28. For example, anoperating system and applications imaged to hard disk drive 26 areexecuted on CPU 18 to perform processing functions, such as servinginformation to clients or word processing.

Information handling system 10 has a service label 12 affixed to chassis15 in a position accessible by an end user. Service label 12 includesinstructions that describe service information for information handlingsystem 10, such as pictures that show insertion and removal of a harddisk drive 26 at chassis 15, replacement of a CPU 18 in a socket 20 orsimilar service functions. Service label 12 includes a multi-dimensionalbarcode 14 that embeds a service identifier associated with serviceinformation for information handling system 10. In the exampleembodiment depicted by FIG. 1, multi-dimensional barcode 14 is a quickresponse (QR) code, a type of matrix barcode introduced in 1994 andreadable by dedicated QR barcode readers. QR codes are also readable byportable information handling systems, such as smart phones, thatinclude a camera and a barcode application, such as is available atwww.gettag.mobi. QR code 14 on service label 12 includes serviceinformation in the form of text, a universal resource locator (URL) orother data. End user's can extract information embedded in the QR codeby taking an image of the QR code with a portable information handlingsystem camera and analyzing the image with a barcode application.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 1, QR code 14 enriches the contentpresented at service label 12 to aid with service of informationhandling system 10 while reducing the size and complexity of servicelabel 12. For example, QR code 14 on service label 12 provides a URLlink to digital content about the specific model type to which servicelabel 12 is attached, such as service videos, configuration wizards anduser manual content. An end user takes an image of QR code 14 with acamera on a smart phone or laptop and analyzes the image with a barcodeapplication to extract a URL associated with service information for themodel type, in this case the model R720, such as the URLwww.Dell/Service/QR/R720 for a service network location of the modelR720. Once the URL is extracted, a browser on the smart phone or laptopallows the end user to visit the service network location for theinformation handling system model type as provided by the URL to obtainservice information for the information handling system model type. Inone embodiment, QR code 14 includes a unique identifier for theinformation handling system so that the end user can provide the uniqueidentifier to the service network location and obtain serviceinformation on an individual basis for the information handling systemrather than based on model type. For example, the unique identifierprovides access to warranty, original configuration and original imageinformation for the information handling system that has the servicelabel 12, as well as other product specific service information. In oneembodiment, an end user loads a service application on the portableinformation handling system that reads the QR code so that the serviceapplication can automatically initiate a service session with theservice network location using the unique identifier and passwordprotection available through the service application.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, example user interfaces presentedat a portable wireless telephone interfaced with a service networklocation are depicted. An end user captures an image of QR code 14 toextract a URL that opens a browser to the user interface 30 depicted byFIG. 2A. User interface 30 presents support options available to the enduser for the information handling system associated with the servicelabel QR code, such as watching support videos that demonstrate asupport function or operation, viewing system information, contactingsupport or buying spare parts. Service information extracted from QRcode 14 can aid in the selection of desired service information byautomatically inserting into fields of user interface 30 to extractdesired service network location content. For instance, informationhandling system 10 can include multiple QR codes with a uniqueidentifier for the information handling system and an associatedcomponent identifier so that a video that demonstrates replacement ofthe component is automatically presented. In one example embodiment, aQR code near the CPU 18 or socket 20 will include embedded serviceinformation that user interface 30 applies to automatically present avideo demonstrating replacement of the component. Alternatively, an enduser can select the “View System Information” tab of user interface 30to view an image of the components disposed on the motherboard ofinformation handling system 10 as presented by the user interface ofFIG. 2B. From the image presented by FIG. 2B, the end user can select“CPU/RAM” to view the user interface of FIG. 2C, which depicts videosdemonstrating CPU removal, RAM DIMM removal, DIMM numbering and CPUidentification.

The presentation of service information may proceed automatically basedupon service information extracted from a QR code or manually based uponend user inputs, such as a unique identifier or password input at theuser interface. Smart phone capabilities are leveraged to provide readyaccess by an end user to additional services and service information.For example, rather than manually inputting a telephone number tocontact a telephone service center, a telephone number is automaticallydialed by the smart phone based upon a telephone number extracted fromthe QR code or based upon a telephone number provided from the servicenetwork location using warranty or service level information derivedfrom service information extracted from the QR code, such as a uniqueidentifier. Alternatively, a text chat session with a support center isautomatically initiated. As another example, an end user is presentedwith parts for purchase that are compatible with information handlingsystem 10 by reference to service information extracted from QR code 14and forwarded to a service network location, such as a unique identifierof information handling system 10 embedded in QR code 14 along with aservice network location URL. Before completing a replacement or repairpart order, the service information as applied by the service networklocation enables a remote access to the information handling system tocomplete a system diagnostics that confirms failure of a component.Although the example embodiment presents service information for aninformation handling system, in alternative embodiments, service toother types of products may be supported. For example, a QR code on acar spare tire can automatically retrieve a video through a smart phonethat demonstrates changing the spare tire.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram depicts tracking manufactureand assembly of information handling system components withmulti-dimensional barcodes. Service and assembly information content ofa service label is enhanced by adding on-line digital content to servicelabel printed instructional material. Enhanced content is accessible bya smart phone or laptop that has a camera to capture a QR code image,such as QR codes otherwise used during the manufacture process.Individual product unique codes link an end user to a “personal” servicewebsite that depicts the unique system ordered by the end user, suggestsrepairs, maintenance and upgrades to that unique system, and tracksupdates that are performed. QR codes on the products, components withinthe products and packaging used to ship the products conveniently tieoperation of the product with services from ordering and manufacture toproduct end of life. For example, an end user seeking to replace aproduct images the legacy product's QR code to locate an order site thatdisplays the legacy configuration model type and suggests upgrades andservices associated with the product. This allows ordering, billing,tracking and inventory of a replacement product tied to the end user'saccount by the legacy QR code.

During manufacture at a manufacture location 32, an information handlingsystem 10 and its components have QR codes 14 attached with serviceidentifiers to aid in the manufacture, delivery and subsequent serviceof the information handling system. For example, a QR code 14 is tooledinto a portion of an information handling system chassis 15 or attachedas a label to a shipping box 34 to provide service information for aninformation handling system order, such as the contents of a shipmentfor delivery confirmation and inventory control. As another example, aQR code is attached to a hard disk drive 26 intended as a component ofan information handling system 10 to provide access to drive specificinformation on line, such as life cycle, usage, drive type or the imageoriginally loaded on the drive that provides an operating system forbooting the information handling system. As another example, a QR codeis attached to removable parts of the information handling system, suchas bezels, rails 36 and storage devices 26, to tie the removable partsto the information handling system 10 and to allow access on-line toinstructions for assembly of the parts. Pre-printed unique QR codeslinked to an information handling system configuration are applied tothe components and the shipping materials during assembly of theinformation handling system so that the QR codes are available afterdelivery of the information handling system for use by an end user inthe assembly and service of the information handling system andcomponents.

In the example embodiment depicted by FIG. 4, chassis 15 is a rack thatholds plural information handling system modules 10. Chassis 15 isshipped with plural slots 38, each slot accepting an informationhandling system module 10 with a set of opposing rails 36 that slide themodule into and out of the chassis. Chassis 15 and information handlingsystem modules 10 arrive at an end user location 40 after shipment frommanufacturer location 32. For example, at end user location 40, an enduser assembles information handling system modules 10 into chassis 15using rails 36 and including other types of components, such as a harddisk drive 26. Once information handling system modules 10 are assembledin chassis 15, the end user loads applications from storage media, suchas an operating system from an optical disc 42, to bring the informationhandling system modules to an operational state. To aid in the assemblyat chassis 15, the end user has a portable information handling system44, such as a portable cellular “smart” phone, a laptop portableinformation handling system or tablet information handling system thatcommunicates through a wireless wide area network, local area network orsimilar network link. Portable information handling system 44 includes acamera 46 that captures QR codes 14 attached to the chassis andcomponents. Portable information handling system 44 also includes aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) locator that provides the location ofthe system 44. Portable information handling system 44 in combinationwith the QR codes provides enhanced digital content to instruct anddemonstrate assembly of components into chassis 15 at end user location40.

To obtain enhanced service content for assembly of components at chassis15, the end user captures an image of a QR code for a component ofinterest with camera 46 to extract service identifiers from the QR codeand communicates the service identifiers through a network 50, such asthe Internet, to a service network location 52. A service engine 54 atservice network location 52 retrieves service information associatedwith the captured QR code service identifiers and presents serviceinformation to the end user from service network location 52 throughnetwork 50 to portable information handling system 44. For example, anend user seeking additional instructions for assembly of an informationhandling system module 10 to rails 36 captures the QR code of the module10 and rails 36 to send the associated service identifiers to servicenetwork location 52. Service engine 54 applies the service identifiersto retrieve and present a video that demonstrates assembly of module 10and rails 36. As another example, an end user captures an image of a QRcode 16 attached to an operating system storage media 42 to obtaininstructions for installing the operating system or a link to an imageoriginally installed on the information handling system module 10associated with the operating system. Service information may beretrieved based upon a single service identifier from a single QR codeor from a combination of service identifiers. For example, a serviceidentifier for a rail 36 will retrieve a selection of demonstrations forthe use of the rail while a combination of a rail and module serviceidentifiers will retrieve a video for assembly of a module to the rail.

In addition to enhanced service label content, a QR code serviceidentifier aids in the inventory and tracking of equipment atinstallation, throughout normal operations and for replacement atend-of-life. For example, GPS 48 of portable information handling system44 provides position information for the location at which a QR code 14is imaged so that the position of products can be tracked at a mappingengine 56 of service network location 52. A chassis controller 58 ofchassis 15 communicates with a baseboard management controller 28 of aninformation handling system module 10 to aid in tracking of networkaddress information for the module 10. Mapping engine 56 ties latitudeand longitude information from GPS 48 with network address information,such as IP and MAC address information, coordinated by chassiscontroller 58 to generate a map of the physical location of aninformation handling system module and network address location. In oneembodiment, each slot 38 of chassis 15 has a QR code 16 with a serviceidentifier that identifies the slot position in chassis 15 to aid inmapping a physical location inventory. Service label 12 for a slot 38rotates out into the slot when the slot is empty for ready access by acamera 46 and is pushed to rotate to a hidden position when aninformation handling system module 10 is pushed into the slot 38. In oneembodiment, service label 12 rotates to bring QR code 16 into view of atransparent region 60 of chassis 15 so that an end user can capture animage of a slot QR code 16 when an information handling system module 10is installed in a slot 38. For example, a QR code 16 is placed on thefront side and back side of service label 12 so that the QR code 16 canbe captured from the back side of service label 12 through thetransparent region 60 when a module 10 is installed in slot 38.Alternatively, QR code 16 is itself transparent so that a camera imagecaptured from the back side through transparent region 60 iselectronically inverted at portable information handling system 44 toallow extraction of a service identifier from an image of the back sideof service label 12.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram depicts obtaining serviceinformation by reference to multi-dimensional barcodes associated withinformation handling system components. In the example embodimentdepicted by FIG. 4, information handling system 10 consists of pluralinformation handling system modules 10 that insert into slots 38 of achassis 15, such as server rack or blade chassis. An end user obtainsenhanced service information for information handling system 10 bycapturing with a portable information handling system 44 an image ofselected multi-dimensional barcodes, such as QR codes 14, affixed at ornear components of information handling system 10. For example, each QRcode 14 can include a variety of service identifiers that enhanceservice information presented at labels immediately view able by an enduser. Some examples of service identifier information embedded in a QRcode include a URL for a model, end user or system specific website thatpresents service information; a telephone number for a call center withthe number applicable to a service or warranty level of the informationhandling system; a unique identifier for the information handlingsystem, component or end user associated with the system; a model typefor the information handling system and/or component; and a componentpart number. To obtain enhanced service information, an end usercaptures an image of the QR code 14 with camera 46 of portableinformation handling system 44 to extract the service identifier, andapplies the service identifier to retrieve enhanced service contentthrough network 50. In one embodiment, a barcode application 62 extractsa URL for use by a browser of portable information handling system 44.In an alternative embodiment, a service application 64 receives theservice identifier to perform specialized service functions with theservice identifier, such as adding end user password information to arequest for service, retrieving service files for presentation fromlocal memory of portable information handling system 44, or processingservice identifiers to present service options to an end user likeself-help or contacting a service call center 68.

Some examples of enhanced service provided by service application 64include coordination of service information for a specific informationhandling system 10 for presentation at portable information handlingsystem 44 based upon service identifiers extracted from one or more QRcodes of the specific information handling system 10. For example,service application 64 contacts a service network location 52 using aURL extracted from a QR code 14 and applies a unique identifierextracted from the QR code 14 to obtain warranty information for thesystem; a user's manual for the system; assembly, repair and maintenanceinstructions for the system; video demonstrations of service functionsperformed at the system, pictures of the system, replacement suggestionsfor the system; audio instructions for service functions performed atthe system; and fault codes indicated to identify faults at the system.In one embodiment, service engine 54 of service network location 52includes an image analyzer 70 that accepts images capture by a camera toallow extraction of service identifiers from a QR code sent as an imageto service network location 52. In one alternative embodiment, an imagesent to image analyzer 70 can include plural QR codes each of which areanalyzed to extract service identifiers. For example, a single highresolution picture of a chassis 15 having a QR code and pluralinformation handling system modules, each having a QR code, allows imageanalyzer 70 to determine a unique identifier of a chassis and allinformation handling system modules installed in the chassis.

In one embodiment, a QR code 14 is generated for presentation at aconfigurable display to dynamically present service information with thedisplay. For example, a diagnostics module 72 running on components ofan information handling system module 10 generates a service identifierand presents the service identifier with an inexpensive LED orelectronic paper display 74 by embedding the service identifier in a QRcode of the display 74. The service identifier generated by diagnosticsmodule 72 includes a diagnostics code that indicates the results of ananalysis performed by diagnostics module 72 of components running on theinformation handling systems module 10. In one embodiment, eachinformation handling system module 10 in chassis 15 has its own dynamicdiagnostics display 74 that presents diagnostics codes with a QR codebased upon diagnostics performed at a diagnostics module 72 of eachinformation handling system module 10. In an alternative example, achassis-wide dynamic fault code display 76 presents diagnostic codes forplural information handling system modules supported by the chassis 15,with the QR code dynamically presented to include a unique identifier ofthe module associated with the fault code. A chassis controllercoordinates the presentation of diagnostics for each informationhandling system module with the shared chassis-wide dynamic fault codedisplay 76.

When a dynamic QR code is generated at a display 74 or 76, an end usercan determine the fault detected by diagnostics by capturing an image ofthe QR code at the display with a camera of portable informationhandling system 44 and extracting the diagnostics code from the QR code.Service application 64 coordinates the gathering of relevant informationfor addressing the diagnostics code by presenting at portableinformation handling system 44 the meaning of the diagnostics code andproviding a user interface for access to additional service informationbased upon service identifiers extracted from the QR code. For example,service application 64 coordinates access to self-help videodemonstrations from service network location 52 or a telephone/chatsession with a service call center 68 based upon the type of faultdetected and a service level of the end user. If, for instance, a CPUfailure is detected by diagnostics and presented in a QR code serviceidentifier, the end user interface presents the failure andautomatically retrieves a video form service network location 52 thatdemonstrates CPU replacement. Further, the user interface presents anorder page to allow the end user to order a new CPU with the order pagepopulated by compatible parts information based upon the system uniqueidentifier and system configuration information retrieved from servicenetwork location 52. In one embodiment, service application 64 includeslogic that captures legacy diagnostics information, such as LEDdiagnostics indicators or textual information written at the informationhandling system, such as interpreting textual information that specifiesa model type of unique identifier of the information handling system.The legacy information aids in the repair or replacement of informationhandling systems and components that do not include a QR code withservice identifiers.

As an information handling system approaches end of life, components maybegin to fail and, eventually, the end user will want to replace theinformation handling system. Service application 64 coordinatesreplacement of failed components and end-of-life information handlingsystems by applying service identifiers extracted from QR codesassociated with an information handling system and components of theinformation handling system. Service application 64 uses the serviceidentifiers to retrieve service information from service networklocation 52 and applies the service information to present a userinterface to an end user with service function options. For example, inresponse to a dynamic QR code that indicates a hard disk drive failureat an information handling system module, service application 64retrieves warranty information to determine if the failure is covered bywarranty, and if so, initiates a telephone call to a service call center68 to obtain manufacturer warranty service replacement of the hard diskdrive. If warranty coverage is not provided, service application 64retrieves the system configuration from service network location 52 todetermine an appropriate replacement hard disk drive and presents anorder page for the replacement part to the end user by inserting theusers account and password information. In one embodiment, serviceapplication 64 contacts service engine 54 to initiate remote diagnosticsfor the hard disk drive to confirm that a failure has occurred. If asystem failure requires replacement of an entire information handlingsystem, service application 64 coordinates preparation of an order formfor a compatible replacement based upon the service information of thelegacy system as determined by the service identifiers embedded in theQR code of the legacy system.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system to aid service of an informationhandling system, the system comprising: a service label presented at theinformation handling system and having a two-dimensional barcode, thetwo dimensional barcode having a service identifier; a portableinformation handling system having a processor, a camera and a barcodeapplication interfaced with the camera, the camera operable to take animage of the two-dimensional barcode, the processor running the barcodeapplication, the barcode application operable to analyze the image toretrieve the service identifier; a service application interfaced withthe barcode application and operable to apply the service identifier toretrieve service information that provides service for the informationhandling system.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the service identifiercomprises a universal resource locator for a network location and theservice information comprises instructions for performing maintenance atthe information handling system.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein theinstructions comprise a user's manual for the information handlingsystem.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the portable informationhandling system comprises a wireless telephone that communicates withthe Internet over a wireless wide area network, the service identifiercomprises an Internet address and the service information comprises avideo that presents instructions for replacing a component of theinformation handling system.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein theportable information handling system comprises a wireless telephone thatcommunicates with the Internet over a wireless wide area network, theservice identifier comprises telephone contact information and theservice information comprises audio that presents instructions forreplacing a component of the information handling system.
 6. The systemof claim 1 wherein the portable information handling system comprises alaptop, the service identifier comprises a file stored on the laptop andthe file comprises a video that presents instructions for correcting afailure at the information handling system.
 7. The system of claim 1wherein the service identifier comprises a universal resource locatorand a unique identifier of the information handling system, and theservice application is further operable to retrieve service informationfor the information handling system by providing the unique identifierto a website of the universal resource locator.
 8. The system of claim 7wherein the service information comprises warranty information formanufacturer warranty repair of the information handling system.
 9. Thesystem of claim 7 wherein the portable information handling systemcomprises a portable telephone and the service information comprises atelephone call to a manufacture service representative.
 10. A method toaid service of an information handling system, the method comprising:capturing an image of at least a portion of an information handlingsystem with a camera integrated in a portable information handlingsystem; analyzing the image with the portable information handlingsystem to determine identity information of the information handlingsystem; sending the identity information of the information handlingsystem from the portable information handling system through a networkto a service network location; responding to the identity information atthe service network location by sending service information for theinformation handling system to the portable information handling system;and presenting the service information with the portable informationhandling system.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the image comprisesa multi-dimensional bar code having a service network location address,analyzing the image comprises determining the service network locationaddress at the portable information handling system by analyzing themulti-dimensional bar code, and sending the identity informationcomprises contacting the service network location address.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 wherein the multi-dimensional bar code furthercomprises a unique identifier for the information handling system,sending the identity information further comprises sending the uniqueidentifier to the service network location address, and responding tothe identity information further comprises using the unique identifierto present service information from a service network locationassociated with the unique identifier.
 13. The method of claim 11wherein the multi-dimensional bar code further comprises a componentpart number for the information handling system, sending the identityinformation further comprises sending the component part number to theservice network location address, and responding to the identityinformation further comprises using the component part number to presentservice information from a service network location associated with thecomponent part number.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the componentpart number comprises a CPU part number and the service network locationcomprises instructions for replacing the CPU at the information handlingsystem.
 15. The method of claim 10 wherein the image comprises pluralLEDs disposed at a housing of the information handling system, the LEDsilluminated in one of plural configurations to present a diagnosticscode, the service information comprising service instructions associatedwith the LED diagnostics code.
 16. The method of claim 10 wherein theportable information handling system comprises a portable telephone andthe service information comprises a telephone connection to a servicecall center.
 17. The method of claim 10 wherein the portable informationhandling system comprises a portable telephone and the serviceinformation comprises a video demonstrating a service action at aninformation handling system.
 18. A portable information handling systemcomprising: a processor; a network interface; a camera operable to takean image of an information handling system having a service identifier;a service application executing on the processor and operable to applythe service identifier to retrieve service information through thenetwork interface that provides service for the information handlingsystem.
 19. The portable information handling system of claim 18 whereinthe service identifier comprises a network address and a uniqueidentifier embedded in a multi-dimensional barcode, the serviceapplication providing the unique identifier to a service networklocation at the network address and receiving in response a videopresenting service instructions for the information handling system. 20.The portable information handling system of claim 18 wherein the serviceidentifier comprises a network address and a unique identifier embeddedin a multi-dimensional barcode, the service application providing theunique identifier to a service network location at the network addressand receiving in response a telephone number selected by the servicenetwork location based upon the unique identifier, the serviceapplication automatically initiating a telephone call to the telephonenumber.